Can a 19-year old legally kiss a 15-year old in Ontario?
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Can a 19-year old legally kiss a 15-year old in Ontario?
Asked on April 22, 2009 under Criminal Law, Louisiana
Answers:
L.M., Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Since Ontario is outside of the United States, it is inappropriate to answer this question as a U.S. attorney. You should address it to a solicitor or lawyer in Canada. In the United States, and it does vary from state to state, even a kiss, if unwanted, may be viewed as a sexual assault on a minor when perpetrated by an adult. A 19 year old is considered an adult. Most states set a minimum age where minors can consent to sexual activity. Even if the 15-year old is at the age of consent in their state, there are laws that bar sexual activity between a minor and an adult if there is an age difference of 4 or more years between them. The U.S. legal system recognizes the inappropriateness of a relationship that involves sex between a minor and an adult and sets guidelines to protect the minor. While unlikely that kissing would be sufficient, if an adult had sexual intercourse with a 15-year old, he could be prosecuted and sent to jail for sexual assault in the U.S.
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